Tag Archives: books

When the Audiobooks All Hit at Once…

10 Thursday Jul 2025

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You know that feeling when all your library holds or audiobook requests come in at the same time? Yeah, that just happened. And naturally, instead of being overwhelmed like a rational person, I dove right in.

At the moment, I’m about 40% into Daisy Darker and around 20% into The Locked Door. Both are gripping in completely different ways, and I’m loving the immersive reading experience of switching between audiobook and ebook. It’s like binge-watching TV, but with plot twists that sneak up on you while you’re folding laundry.

I also tried to start Ink Blood Sister Scribe, but it hasn’t clicked for me yet. It might just be a timing thing, so I’m going to set it aside and circle back once I’ve finished the other two.

So for now, it’s back to reading, and listening, for me. Wish me luck in not mixing up all the twisted secrets and suspicious characters between books!

Book Review: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

06 Sunday Jul 2025

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I just spent the last two days completely obsessed with Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister, and honestly, I don’t even know where to start because I loved this book.

I did a full immersive read—listening to the audiobook while reading along—and I was hooked from the very first page. This story pulled me in with its gripping concept: a mother watching her teenage son commit a murder and then waking up the next morning… to the day before it happened. What follows is a spiraling, mind-bending journey through time as she desperately tries to change the past and save her son.

The time loop idea was so smartly done. It never felt repetitive—instead, each loop revealed new secrets and layers that had me constantly reevaluating what I thought I knew. Jen’s emotional journey hit me just as hard as the thriller elements did. Her struggle with guilt, motherhood, and whether she had done enough or been enough—it was raw, real, and incredibly relatable. What parent hasn’t had those moments of self-doubt?

This wasn’t your typical thriller, and that’s what made it so good. It didn’t just rely on twists and shocks (though there were plenty!); it dove deep into character and relationships in a way that made every revelation feel earned. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down… but I did, briefly, because both teens wanted to make s’mores in the fire pit and watch another episode of Squid Game last night—and honestly, no regrets there. It was the perfect pause before diving back in and finishing the book with my heart pounding.

If you’re in the mood for a smart, emotional, twisty read that keeps you guessing and feeling, I highly recommend Wrong Place Wrong Time. You can grab it here: https://amzn.to/3IfqnRt

Happy reading!

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I truly enjoy and think you will too!

A Quiet Weekend, a Creepy Book, and Some Family Time

29 Sunday Jun 2025

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My weekends tend to be quiet on purpose. After a busy week of juggling everything life throws at me, I use these couple of days to slow down, recharge, and just be. This weekend was no different—and honestly, it was kind of perfect.

Yesterday, my 15-year-old asked if just he and I could go out to lunch. That doesn’t happen often anymore, so of course I said yes. We had a nice meal together (just the two of us), then swung by the store for a few groceries before heading home. The rest of the afternoon was spent soaking up the air conditioning and cracking open a new book: Bone White by Ronald Malfi. Affiliate link: Bone White

I got about 50 pages in before we settled in as a family to watch the first episode of Season Three of Squid Game on Netflix. My husband and teens were all in, and I have to admit—I forgot how intense that show can be. Once the episode ended and everyone scattered, I picked the book back up and made it nearly halfway through…which is when I remembered exactly why I don’t read horror books at night.

Let’s just say, I refused to stay downstairs by myself once everyone else went to bed—and yes, my husband thought that was hilarious.

Today looks like more of the same: I’ll probably finish Bone White (definitely before dark), grill something for dinner, and then settle in for another Squid Game episode tonight. It’s nothing fancy, but honestly, that’s kind of the point.

I hope you’re having a weekend that’s exactly what you need—whether that’s excitement, quiet, or somewhere in between.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my book-loving corner of the internet!

When Your TBR Hits 154 (and You Still Keep Buying Books)

28 Saturday Jun 2025

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You know you have a book problem, ahem, passion, when you realize you’ve accidentally bought the same book twice… more than once. That was me this week. After adding 11 more books to my already overflowing shelves, I finally admitted it was time to get organized.

So what did I do? I downloaded one of those wheel spinner apps (because why not make choosing your next read feel like a game show?) and added all my unread books to it. The result? 154 unread books currently waiting for me. Yes, including the new additions from yesterday. No, I’m not sorry.

When I told my husband, he just smiled, shook his head like the sweet, supportive man he is, kissed me, and said, “If you want to get another bookshelf, I’ll put it together for you.” That, my friends, is true love, and probably mild concern.

Now I’m off to tackle the rest of today’s to-do list because my 15-year-old asked if we could go out to lunch together. Obviously, I said yes (how could I not?), so now I’m just waiting for him to pick the place.

Wishing everyone a cozy weekend filled with good food, great company, and plenty of reading time. And if your TBR pile is just as chaotic as mine… you’re in good company.

Happy reading!

Two Thrillers Down & A Thrifted Book Haul

27 Friday Jun 2025

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Over the past few days, I’ve been deep in the twisty, eerie world of thrillers, and I loved it. I finished two suspenseful reads that kept me flipping pages and guessing at every turn. I also took a quick thrifting break (because apparently, my TBR isn’t long enough?), and found a few new treasures I’m excited to dig into soon.

Here’s a look at what I’ve been reading and what’s coming next from my latest book haul!

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Creepy, twisty, and hard to put down

This book immediately pulled me in. The mystery is dark, the characters are layered, and the whole thing gave me that perfect edge-of-your-seat feeling. I flew through it.

Stella was such a strong lead—flawed, sharp, and trying so hard to do the right thing. And Rose? That kid gave me chills and broke my heart at the same time. The Barclay family’s shiny exterior with its very messed-up interior added constant tension, and the house itself was so unsettling. No glass anywhere? It gave everything this weirdly claustrophobic vibe I loved.

I knocked a star off only because some of the tropes are familiar if you’ve read a lot of thrillers (traumatized silent child, outsider vs. rich family dynamic). But even so, it was executed really well. Highly recommend if you like books that mess with your head and keep you guessing until the final page.
👉 Grab it on Amazon

With a Vengeance by Riley Sager

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Twisty, eerie, and full of Agatha Christie vibes

Riley Sager always delivers a gripping read, and this one was no different. I was immediately pulled into the atmosphere—isolated setting, unreliable narrators, suspicious characters… basically Agatha Christie meets modern thriller.

The twists kept me on my toes. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would spin in a totally different direction. It really kept me guessing.

It wasn’t a full 5-star read for me only because I didn’t totally connect with the main character, and a few parts dragged in the middle. But it still stuck the landing, and I’d absolutely recommend it if you love locked-room mysteries or thrillers that feel like puzzles.
👉 Find it on Amazon

My Latest Bookish Thrift Finds

  • Dial A For Aunties – This one’s been on my wishlist forever!
  • The Atomic City Girls – Total impulse grab, but the back cover blurb had me hooked.
  •  The Fallen- Honestly no idea what this is, but it feels like a fun gamble.

Let me know if you want a full thrift haul post, I’d love to share what I look for when book thrifting and how I decide what comes home with me.

What Have You Been Reading?

If you’ve finished anything twisty, emotional, or cozy lately, drop it in the comments! I’m always up for adding to my ever-growing list.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through the links above. Thank you for supporting my cozy bookish space!

Flare Day Reflections: Rest, Roxy, and a Soothing Audiobook

25 Wednesday Jun 2025

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Yesterday was one of those days. My fibromyalgia was flaring hard, and my body just said, “Nope.” Instead of fighting it, I gave myself permission to slow down. I spent most of the day curled up under a blanket, napping with my sweet dog Roxy while the rain whispered at the windows.

I’m so grateful for my husband and teens; they completely stepped in and kept the house running smoothly while I rested. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted, especially on days when everything aches.

What Got Me Through the Day:

I finished listening to A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. It’s a dark and romantic Hades x Persephone retelling with just the right mix of myth, angst, and heat.

The audiobook narration by Meg Sylvan was soothing and immersive. She brings the story to life in a way that’s calm, clear, and easy to sink into, especially when your brain is foggy and your body just needs stillness.

📖 👉 Listen to A Touch of Darkness on Audible or Amazon
🎧 👉 Try Audible free for 30 days

Back to Catching Up

Today, I’m slowly easing back into work and life, doing my best to catch up on the things I didn’t get done yesterday. (I’m also trying not to feel guilty about the rest I absolutely needed.)

If you’re having a flare day—or any kind of low-energy, low-capacity moment, I see you. Be gentle with yourself. Let the to-do list wait. There’s magic in simply pausing.

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my cozy little corner of the internet.

What I’m Reading This Week (and What I Just Finished)

23 Monday Jun 2025

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Welcome to my little reading corner

This week has been all about soft blankets, vanilla coffee, and books that pull me in without overwhelming me. I’m trying to stay honest about what I actually reach for—whether it’s something atmospheric, twisty, or totally unexpected.

Here’s a peek at what I just finished (spoiler: I had theories), what I’m currently reading, and what’s next on my ever-growing TBR.

Just Finished:

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

This one was twisty in a quiet, unsettling way. A nanny falls (or is pushed?) to her death, and the truth is buried under layers of silence and dysfunction. It’s the kind of book where everyone is hiding something, and I found myself side-eyeing every single character. A solid, rainy-day psychological thriller that kept me guessing all the way through.
👉 Read it on Amazon (affiliate link)

Currently Reading:

With a Vengeance by Riley Sager

I just started this one and I’m already hooked. Sager has that knack for drawing you into a dark, twisty atmosphere where you know something terrible is coming—you just don’t know what yet. It’s giving me perfect “one more chapter” energy.
👉 Grab it on Amazon

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

This one’s a reread for me—a cozy, in-between kind of book that feels like checking in on old friends. I’m here for the snow, the banter, and the quiet domestic moments before the next storm.
👉 Find it here

Up Next:

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

This one’s been sitting on my TBR forever. I’m finally in the mood for Hades x Persephone angst, dark romance, and a little mythology wrapped in modern fantasy.
👉 Start reading

Your Turn: What Are You Reading?

I’d love to hear what’s on your current reading list—or what you just finished and couldn’t stop thinking about. Leave a comment or message me so we can swap recommendations!

And if you’re looking for soft, soul-soothing reads for low-energy days, check out my post on 10 Brain-Soothing Books for When Life Feels Like Too Much.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my little bookish corner!

It’s raining, and I’m doing exactly what the day calls for.

22 Sunday Jun 2025

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Some days are meant for to-do lists.
Today? Today is made for blankets, quiet, and a book I can’t put down. The rain has been coming down all morning—slow, steady, and just loud enough to drown out the noise of everything else. I’ve got my favorite blanket wrapped around me, a steaming mug of vanilla coffee in hand, and Roxy (my very sleepy dog) curled against my hip like the world’s softest space heater. The world outside is gray and dripping.
Inside, it’s all shadows, suspense, and a story I don’t want to leave.

What I’m Reading Today:

With a Vengeance by Riley Sager
Gripping, atmospheric, and full of those creeping little twists that make you pause mid-sip. It’s exactly what I want on a rainy day. Something dark and bingeable that still lets me feel safe under a blanket.
👉 Grab it on Amazon (affiliate link)

A Gentle Reminder (for You, Too)

If today feels like too much, or even if it doesn’t, there’s nothing wrong with slowing down. With curling up instead of checking off. With choosing stories over productivity. The world can wait. Right now, the pages are calling.

P.S.

Need your own rainy day read? I’ve got a full list of cozy comfort books right here—whether you’re in the mood for magic, moody vampires, or something fluffy with cupcakes.

And if you’re reading something atmospheric and bingeable right now, I’d love to hear about it. Drop it in the comments below or come find me on Instagram. Let’s be rainy day book buddies

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. Your clicks help support this cozy little corner, and I’m so grateful you’re here.

Top 8 Most-Read Fiction Books on Kindle This Week (Adult Edition)

21 Saturday Jun 2025

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There are days when holding a paperback just isn’t possible. Between pain, fatigue, or sensory overwhelm, sometimes the weight of a physical book is simply too much. On those days, I turn to my Kindle.

It’s lightweight and easy to hold, even when my hands hurt. I can adjust the font size, screen warmth, and brightness to match my sensory needs, which honestly makes reading feel accessible again.

If you’ve ever had a day like that, this list is for you.

These are the 8 most-read fiction books on Kindle this week, according to Amazon Charts. Whether you’re looking to escape into a fast-paced thriller, curl up with a summer romance, or lose yourself in something deeply emotional, these are the stories readers are turning to right now.

Caught Up by Navessa Allen

A slow-burn, second-chance romance full of tender vulnerability and delicious chemistry—perfect for the days when your heart craves something soft and meaningful.
👉 Grab it on Kindle (affiliate link)

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Three strangers. One mysterious wedding. A beautifully written story about connection, grief, and the messy magic of unexpected friendships.
👉 Read it on Kindle (affiliate link)

Death Row by Freida McFadden

A chilling, twist-filled thriller from the queen of psychological suspense. Secrets unravel fast in this binge-worthy new addition to the Alibis Collection.
👉 Start reading on Kindle (affiliate link)

Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn

A laugh-out-loud summer romance with sizzling chemistry, heartfelt moments, and all the chaos of falling in love when you least expect it.
👉 Get it on Kindle (affiliate link)

The Tenant by Freida McFadden

When a new tenant moves in, nothing is as it seems. Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a slow-building sense of dread—classic McFadden at her best.
👉 Read it now on Kindle (affiliate link)

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

A tender, emotional summer story about timing, second chances, and the kind of love that lingers long after the season ends.
👉 Grab it on Kindle (affiliate link)

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

A dazzling story of fame, identity, and reinvention—from the bestselling author of Daisy Jones & The Six. Honest, layered, and emotionally charged.
👉 Read it on Kindle (affiliate link)

The First Gentleman by James Patterson & Bill Clinton

When the First Lady becomes President, her husband must step into an unfamiliar—and dangerous—role. A fast-paced political thriller with sharp twists and timely stakes.
👉 Get it on Kindle (affiliate link)

I love that Kindle makes reading possible even on the hard days—the ones where my body needs rest and my brain craves escape. These books are what readers all over the world are turning to right now, and maybe one of them will be just what you need too.

So tell me:
Do you have a go-to genre or author for the days when you need comfort reading?
Drop it in the comments, I’d love to add more reads to my TBR.

And remember:
Even on the quiet days, you’re still doing enough. Keep turning pages at your own pace.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share books I truly love and think you’ll enjoy too!

10 Brain-Soothing Books I’ll Always Recommend

20 Friday Jun 2025

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1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Found family, soft magic, and a grumpy-sunshine dynamic that healed a little piece of me.
👉 Grab it on Amazon

2. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Cinnamon rolls. Cozy fantasy. No apocalypse. Just orcs, coffee, and starting over.
👉 Find it here

3. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A witch who finally finds belonging. Found family, sweet romance, and a touch of sparkle.
👉 Check it out

4. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

If your soul needs soothing, go back to Avonlea. Anne’s wonder is still magic.
👉 Buy on Amazon

5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Time travel, deep love, and immersive storytelling. This series has become one of my ultimate rereads when I want to disappear into another world for a while.
👉 Start the series here

6. The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

When I want to get lost in another universe for days, nothing beats the sprawling, deeply built world of this fantasy series. It’s not light, but it’s familiar, and that can be comforting in itself.
👉 Begin the journey here

7. The Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton

Dark, sexy, wild, and weirdly grounding when you know what to expect. Sometimes comfort comes in the form of a badass necromancer in leather boots.
👉 Sink your teeth in

8. The Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts

Fluffy, funny, full of friendship and love. These books are my go-to when I need something warm and predictable in the best possible way.
👉 Grab the first one here

9. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

Twisty and fast-paced but not overwhelming. When my brain is overstimulated and I need a sharp distraction, Freida’s thrillers always hook me without draining me.
👉 Check it out

10. Dark Prince by Christine Feehan

The one that started it all. Vampiric warriors, psychic bonds, and that classic “fated forever” pull—this book is like comfort food with a Gothic twist. It’s my go-to when I want dramatic, protective heroes and deep, immersive romance.
👉 Start the Carpathian series here

☀️ Final Thoughts

Not all comfort reads are light and fluffy, sometimes they’re dark, dramatic, or absolutely packed with chaos… but familiar. Comfort comes in many forms, and for me, it often shows up in the stories I return to again and again. The ones that let me disappear into another world, or hold my hand when real life feels like too much.

I hope you found a few new favorites on this list, or remembered an old one that’s worth a reread. Whether you’re in the mood for cinnamon roll fantasy, time-traveling Scotsmen, or fanged soulmates, there’s always a book out there waiting to meet you exactly where you are.

If you have a comfort read I should add to my list, I’d love to hear it! Drop it in the comments or message me, I’m always collecting cozy recommendations.

🌼 Affiliate Note

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your clicks help support this cozy little corner of the internet, and I appreciate it more than you know.